Surgical operation system

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an operation system for supporting microsurgery operations, e.g., operations through which the natural crystalline lens is replaced by an artificial intraocular lens. The operation system comprises several surgical instruments ( 5 ) which are inserted into a receptacle ( 5 ), where they are connected to a connection tube ( 21 ), e.g., lines for liquids ( 22, 23 ) and/or electrical lines ( 24 ). The receptacle ( 4 ) for a surgical instrument can be docked on a supply unit ( 2 ) on which several connections for the supply of the corresponding surgical instruments are provided at various connection points. A control unit ( 41 ) recognizes by means of a decoding connection ( 17 ) which surgical instrument ( 5 ) is connected in its receptacle to the supply unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a surgical operation system, particularly anophthalmologic surgical operation system for use during micro-surgicaloperations, particularly, ophthalmologic operation systems which utilizea supply unit providing at least one consumable, such as electric power,compressed air and/or a fluid, and multiple surgical instruments thatare interchangeably connected to the supply unit using connecting tubesthat carry the necessary consumables to the respective surgicalinstrument.

Over the past few years, the significance of micro-surgical operationsin all surgical fields has increased considerably. A characteristic ofsuch operations is the use of many different and various surgicalinstruments that often must be quickly interchanged.

An example is the removal of the natural optical lens of the eye becauseof clouding by cataract, and its replacement with an artificialintra-ocular lens. Ophthalmologic surgical operation systems (so-calledphaco-machines) are used during such an operation. The phaco-machineincludes a central supply unit with electrical power supply, ahigh-frequency generator, a tube and connecting system for surgicalinstruments, so-called head units, infusion bottles for rinsing fluid,and one or more pumps. If the head units are powered by compressed air,this is also provided.

Such a phaco-machine is known from the U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,121 wherein acentral supply unit several head units is connected to. In this case,these include a piezo-electric-driven ultra-sound phaco-emulsificationdevice, an aspiration and irrigation device, and a small light tube.

An ophthalmologic aspiration and irrigation system is known fromEuropean Patent No. 0 596 314 with which intra-ocular pressure during anoperation may be held stable by introducing optionally a gaseous orfluid medium. The system includes a pressure unit, an aspiration unit,and an irrigation unit in the form of interchangeable inserts into ahousing, which are connected together via external lines.

Head units are inserted into the interior of the eye through a smallslit in the cornea. These head units are then used to penetrate theencapsulating sac containing the natural lens. Thereafter, the naturallens is shattered by ultra-sound from a phaco-emulsification device, theso-called phaco-head unit, and the fragments are vacuumed out using anaspiration and irrigation device and rinsing fluid. Other head unitsused include bi-polar high-frequency coagulators (to preventhemorrhaging, or penetration of the encapsulating sac by the lensshards). The operator observes the operation area using anophthalmologic stereomicroscope. He usually controls the head unitfunction by means of a foot switch.

When another head unit is required in the course of an operation, e.g.,an aspiration and irrigation device instead of a phaco-head unit, thehead unit formerly used must be disconnected from the supply tube andline connecting it to the phaco-machine, and the new head unit must beconnected. Additionally, the supply unit must be re-adjusted in order toensure proper supply to the new head unit. An adjustment unit such as akeypad, rotating switch or similar device is provided for this purposeso that the supply parameters may be adjusted for each operating device.Thus, for example, only one electrical connection is required for anelectro-cauterizer, and no connection is required to an aspiration andirrigation device (thus, no fluid connections); such fluid connectionsare required, however, for the phaco-head unit and for a vitrectomy headunit.

Since such internal eye operations must be performed as quickly aspossible in order to prevent unnecessary irritation to the patient andother side effects, the operator must have optimal support during theoperation, particularly during exchange of head units so that thenecessary new parameters for a head unit may be quickly and reliably setwhen the head unit is connected. This has usually been performed eitherby the operator himself or by a nurse participating in the operation andmonitoring the proper function and manipulation of the phaco-machine.Therefore, optimal cooperation of the operating team is a requirementfor rapid and successful machine operation.

A problem with existing phaco-machines is sterility and sterilization ofthe entire surgical operation system. If, for example, a head unit mustbe replaced because of improper sterilization, then the replacement oftubes with sterile ones, the filling of the tubes, the routing of thetubes through specified guides in the machine, and the establishment ofconnections between the pump and the pressure sensors (depending on thetype of phaco-machine) can require from five to ten minutes forconventional phaco-machines. If it is necessary to re-configure thephaco-machine during the operation on a patient, this interval can bevery long not only for the patient, but also for the operating team.Even sterilization of phaco-machine parts requires time. If, forexample, a head unit must be sterilized, the head unit with itsconnecting tubes and lines must be disconnected from the phaco-machineand then sterilized in the sterilizer. Then a sterile head unit with itsconnecting tubes and lines must be connected to the phaco-machine, andthe tubes must be filled with rinsing fluid. This reconfiguration iscomplicated and time-consuming.

Even the exchange between various head units is complicated forconventional phaco-machines. For this, both the hose and electricalconnections of the used head unit must be disconnected and reconnectedto the new head unit. Then the machine must be re-adjusted using thecontrol unit so that the supply unit is informed regarding the necessarysupply parameters for the new head unit. Only then can the operationcontinue with the new head unit. Repeated exchanges between various headunits are very time-consuming and inconvenient with conventionalsystems, and can also cause additional risks if a new head unit isurgently needed, or when readjustment to the phaco-machine is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal objective of the present invention is to provide aconventional surgical operating system, particularly an ophthalmologicsurgical operating system, so that any head unit required by theoperator is quickly available to him, and such that re-adjustment of anynecessary surgical operating system parameters is performed reliably.Additionally, reliable data should be displayed to the user that informshim/her regarding the functional condition of the operating system. Itshould particularly ensure that all units are in the condition andstatus required for the operation.

This object, as well as other objects which will become apparent fromthe discussion that follows, are achieved, according to the presentinvention, by providing a surgical operation system wherein the supplyunit includes several connection interfaces, one for each surgicalinstrument; each surgical instrument is stored in its own sterilizerunit that is connectable to a connection interface; each sterilizer unitincludes an identifying coded connector for the surgical instrument thatfits into a querying connector of the supply unit when the sterilizerunit is connected to the supply unit; and a control unit is connected toall the connection interfaces using the querying connectors, itidentifies the connected surgical instrument for each connectioninterface and it sets the parameters for its supply of consumables

Accordingly, the surgical operating system, e.g., the above-mentionedphaco-machine, includes a supply unit with several connection interfacesfor each surgical instrument. Using this system, each surgicalinstrument is stored in a sterilizing unit which can be docked on thesupply unit. Each sterilizing unit contains the head unit connectiontubes and a roll-up mechanism for the head unit connection tubes.Further, it includes a coded identifying “querying” connector for theincluded head unit that connects to a corresponding mating connection onthe supply unit when the sterilization unit is docked. This queryingconnector is connected with the control unit that supervises thefunction of the surgical operating system and that identifies the headunit connected to that connection interface. It also automaticallyadjusts the operating system parameters for the function of thatparticular head unit.

Preferably the supply unit is separated into a basic unit and adistributor unit provided with connection interfaces for the sterilizingunits and connectable to the basic unit. This distributor systemcontains a tube system to supply the head unit with fluid and, whennecessary, compressed air. This design of a surgical operating system isapplicable and advantageous in many fields of surgery, and particularlyin micro-surgery, particularly for such operations in which severalsurgical instruments must be interchanged. The following will refer toan ophthalmologic surgical operating system, a so-called phaco-machine,without prejudice to other potential uses.

Using the surgical operating system as described by the invention, it ispossible to operate quickly and cleanly and most importantly understerile conditions. When a head unit is removed from the sterilizer, theattached connecting tubes and any necessary electrical connections arealso removed. When a head unit is returned into the sterilizer, theconnections are automatically rolled up by the roll-up mechanism, sothat the connecting tubes no longer lie around on an instrument tray andbecome entangled with one another.

With use of such a surgical operating system, the operation isconsiderably easier for the whole operating team. Thus, to change to anew head unit, the operator needs only to place the current head unitinto its sterilizer (connections are automatically rolled up) and thentake the next head unit from its own sterilizer in order to continue theoperation. The control unit is automatically informed via activationsensors in the sterilizers when a head unit is replaced into itssterilizer and when the new head unit is removed from its sterilizer asto which head unit is current, and it then automatically adjusts systemparameters for the new head unit. Exchange between various head units isthus possible without complications. Inconvenient exchange of head units(as is the case with conventional surgical operating systems such as theabove-mentioned phaco-machine) is no longer necessary.

Automatic recognition of the latest head unit attached by means of codedconnectors further excludes the risk that the head unit is exchanged butthe operator forgets to re-adjust the operating system.

Overall, the operator enjoys extensive freedom in selection of availablehead units without suffering the risk of an improper system adjustment.

Thus, one has the option with a phaco-machine, for example, to dock twophaco-head units with different phaco-needles in separate sterilizers.The operator can thereby compare the effectiveness of differentphaco-needles on one patient and select the most favorable one. It isalso sometimes worthwhile to use two different phaco-needles or headunits for two different purposes during one operation. Such optionspractically do not exist with conventional phaco-machines, sincereconfiguration with another head unit as described above is possibleonly with significant loss of time, and such a method is normally notused.

A significant advantage of the invention with respect to conventionalsurgical operating systems is that the individual sterilizer units, orthe sterilizer and the distributor unit, can easily be removed from thebasic unit for purposes of cleaning, sterilization, or repair. Thenanother sterilizer or another distributor unit is docked with the basicunit. Work with the operating system may be continued withoutinterruption. The operating system “down time” required withconventional systems for cleaning, sterilization, or repair is thusconsiderably reduced. Rapid interchangeability of a head unit with itssupply lines in its own sterilizer also reduces the former risk ofworking with equipment that is not properly sterilized.

In order to clean the removed sterilizer or distributor unit, it isadvantageous to provide a separate rinsing station to which thesterilizer or distributor unit may be docked according to the sameprinciple, i.e., so that the rinsing station includes connectioninterfaces for distributor units and for sterilizers. As soon as asterilizer or distributor unit is connected to the rinsing station, thetube system from the sterilizer or distributor unit is cleansed withrinsing fluid. The rinsing station can be designed as an “intelligent”station, in other words a control unit that automatically performs thecleaning steps. This rinsing station may be connected with the surgicaloperating system control unit via a data link so that the control unitreceives the identification data and the cleansing status of thecleansed unit. Such a communication to the phaco-machine control unitcan also be accomplished after sterilization. The data can also bemanually provided to the control unit. It is also possible for thesterilizer and distributor units to include an electronic data buffer inwhich the procedures and processes performed on the unit are stored.Upon docking of the unit with the surgical operating system, the dataare delivered to the control unit, and accepted as necessary,. In thismanner, the control unit recognizes whether the docked unit has beenproperly prepared for use. If, for example, a non-sterilized unit isconnected by mistake, then the control unit may issue an alarm andcorresponding display.

The operating system may also include a counter mechanism by means ofwhich the quantity of usages of a part of the surgical operating systemmay be determined. This counter mechanism would preferably be coupledwith a timer mechanism that measures the usage time of the componentmonitored by the counter mechanism.

Preferably individual surgical instruments, individual sterilizers, andthe distributor units are equipped with the counter and/or timermechanism. Of course, the supply unit can also be equipped with suchmonitoring equipment.

Equipping the supply unit with such monitoring equipment specificallyallows for the monitoring of the individual components, and allows forthe issuance of a warning signal or limitation (or even shutdown) of afunction in case usage limits established from experience are exceeded.This can thereby alert the user to maintain service intervals, forexample.

The counter and/or timer mechanism used to monitor the sterilizer andsurgical instruments or head units would preferably be mounted in thesterilizer so that the quantity of sterilizer and head unit usages canbe registered. For the case of an ophthalmologic surgical operatingsystem, the counter and/or timer mechanism could be so adjusted that,for example, after 50 usages of the surgical instrument (such as aphaco-head unit), the phaco-needle should be changed and the surgicalinstrument connecting tubes should be checked for integrity. After 100cycles of the phaco-head unit in the sterilizer, an alert might beissued that the sterilizer and phaco-head unit should be returned to themanufacturer for service. If this does not occur, then, as mentionedabove, function of the phaco-head unit can be blocked. In this manner,the user would to some extent be forced to perform (or have performed)prescribed servicing such as tube replacement, measurement of the headunit, and safety checks.

A counter mechanism also allows the number of cleanings, sterilizationprocedures, and servicings to be counted, and to be passed to thecontrol unit. This can occur both for the sterilizer and for thedistributor unit. Total counts from the counter and/or timer mechanismcan be displayed at any time so that the user can have a visual image ofthe entire surgical operating systems readiness status.

A counter mechanism that records the number of cleanings,sterilizations, and servicings, etc., can be a simple mechanical orelectronic unit that advances its count every time the sterilizer ordistributor unit is docked to a servicing station. The quantity ofcounts can be displayed either on the sterilizer itself, thedistribution unit or on a separate display via the control unit.

The counter mechanism can help ensure that, for example, the surgicalinstrument has been rinsed or sterilized properly after each use. Thiscan be achieved via a corresponding display on the control unit. Afunction shut-down of the surgical operating component being monitoredis also possible, and the shut-down would only be lifted when thecomponent has been properly prepared for use, i.e., cleansed, rinsed, orsterilized.

Preferably, sterilizer sensors (such as small temperature sensors thatdetermine whether the proper sterilizing temperature is achieved duringa sterilization procedure) can be linked with the surgical operatingcomponents that must be sterilized at certain intervals. Preferablycomponent function is restored by the control unit only after this isachieved.

Based on this invention the surgical operating system can be designed inmodules so that the width of the sterilizer determines the width of themodule. This modular design allows practically-any surgical operatingsystem configuration so that it is possible to adapt the operatingsystem to future developments. Thus, a new module can be connected to anexisting basic unit that is suitable for connection to a newly-developedhead unit with its sterilizer.

For a full understanding of the present invention, reference should nowbe made to the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a frontal view of a surgical operating system, namely aphaco-machine based on the invention that comprises a supply unit, adistributor unit, and several sterilizers, each for a head unit.

FIG. 2 a partial cutaway side view of the phaco-machine as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 a partial cutaway overhead view of the phaco-machine.

FIG. 4 a cutaway partial view of the phaco-machine in the area of afluid pump.

FIG. 5 a flow chart for a control unit of the phaco-machine based on theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings. Identical elements in thevarious figures are designated with the same reference numerals.

The figures show a phaco-machine 1 consisting of a basic unit 2, adistributor unit 3 that is dockable to it, and several sterilizers 4(for head units 5) connectable to the distributor unit.

Each surgical instrument 5 includes a connecting tube 6 that is keptrolled up on a roller 7 within the sterilizer 4. This roller ispreferably motor-driven. Depending on the type of the surgicalinstrument, the connecting tubes include fluid lines 8 and 9 as well aselectrical lines 10. In this case, a phaco-head unit with two fluidlines and an electrical line is shown. The electrical connection may inturn contain additional lines, such as lines for operating current anddata transmission, for example. These lines lead to a connecting plug 10that engages a corresponding socket 11 when the sterilizer 4 is docked.At least some of the data lines lead to a coded connector 12 in thesterilizer that fits into a corresponding querying connector 13 in thebasic unit 2 when the sterilizer 4 is docked. Connections 12 and 13 mayform parts of the plug 10 or 11. The two fluid lines 8 and 9 lead to aconnection 14 in sterilizer 4 that fit into a corresponding connection15 in the distributor unit when the sterilizer 4 is docked. Connections10 through 15 form a connection interface for a sterilizer 4 or a headunit 5.

As may be seen in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, the distributor unit 3 isequipped with an internal line or tubing system consisting of anirrigation line, i.e., a pressure line 21, and an aspiration or vacuumline 22, whereby the pressure line 21 at one end of the distributor unit3 is equipped with a connector 23, and the vacuum line 22 at the otherend of distributor unit 3 is equipped with another connector 24. Across-connector 25 branches from the pressure line 21 at each connectioninterface and contains an electrically-operated valve 26. It feeds intothe connector 15 of the distributor unit 3. A similar cross-connector 27also branches from the vacuum line 22 at each connector, cross-connector27 also contains an electrically-operated valve 28, and it also feedsinto the connector 15 at each connector. The lines are thus so arrangedthat when a sterilizer 4 is connected, the connector tube 8 is connectedwith the cross-connector 25, and connector tube 9 is connected with thecross-connector 27. A tube 29 is connected with connector 23 at theentrance to pressure line 21. Tube 29 leads to an infusion bottle 30that hangs from a height-adjustable rack 31.

A pump 32 is provided for the vacuum line 22. This pump is preferably atube pump, as is shown in FIG. 4. The tube pump 32 is mounted in thebasic unit 2, extends through an opening in the distributor unit 3 intoit, and operates with roller elements 33 on the circumference of a wheel34 on the vacuum line 22 that is in the form of a flexible tube at leastin this area, so that the rinsing fluid in it is transported from theinfusion bottle 30. The connector 24 is connected with a drain. Apressure sensor 35 can be connected to the vacuum line 22 (see FIG. 4).

As is shown in FIG. 2, the distribution unit 3 is equipped with anelectrical connector 36 that fits into a corresponding connector 37 ofthe basic unit 2 when the distributor unit 3 is docked with the basicunit 2. These connections provide, for example, operating power tovalves 26 and 28. Additionally, data lines may be provided that reportthe status of valves 26 and 28, the fill status in lines 21 and 22, orthe output signal of sensor 35, among other things.

In the phaco-machine described, additional sensors are provided asnecessary that monitor the status of the phaco-machine. Examples mightbe activity sensors 38 that are located in a receptor depression 39 fora head unit 5 and that show whether the head unit 5 is located in thesterilizer 4 or has been removed from it.

Further, the height-adjustable rack 31 for the infusion bottle 30 may beequipped with a sensor 40 (only indicated in the figure) that shows theheight of the infusion bottle 30 and thereby the pressure in theirrigation line 21. The height of the rack 31 may be adjusted eithermanually or, as not shown here, by a motor.

All signals from individual sensors and the code signals generated fromconnectors 12 and 13 are transmitted to a central control unit 41 thatis a component of the basic unit 2, and, as shown in FIG. 1, can beconnected to the basic unit 2 as a module. Based on the transmittedsignals, the control unit 41 adjusts the parameters of the phaco-machineautomatically. Supply for a head unit 5 is activated as soon as it isremoved from its sterilizer 4. This includes the provision of fluid fromthe infusion bottle 30, the height setting of the infusion bottle 30,the settings for the valves 26 and 28 for the rinsing fluid, the settingof operating current for the head unit, the monitoring of pressure inthe aspiration line 22, the action of the tube pump 32, etc. Head unitfunction can then be controlled by the operator by the above-mentionedfoot switch, for example, without having to make any other adjustmentsto the phaco-machine. Signals from the foot switch are preferablytransmitted using a wireless data link, e.g., radio-frequency, infrared,or ultrasonic, thus conventional cables which may lay on the floor canbe avoided.

An input device 42 such as a keypad is connected to the control unit 41.Also, a display is provided, e.g., a monitor 43, which would showphaco-machine system parameters. The display can also include an opticalor audible warning signal 47. Input devices other than a keypad 42 maybe used, such as contact elements directly on the monitor. In additionto the monitor, other peripheral devices such as a printer may beconnected via corresponding interfaces 44 that would produce a record ofeach operation.

The sterilizer 4 and the distributor unit 3 can also contain smallelectronic buffers 45 or 46 that are connected to data connections 10 or36. Data regarding procedures such as cleansing, sterilization, etc.performed on the sterilizers and the distributor unit may be stored inthese buffers. These data would then be passed to the control unit upondocking of a sterilizer or distribution unit so that functionality ofthe concerned unit might be checked.

In particular, the sterilizer and the distribution can each be providedwith a counting mechanism 40 or 49 that is in turn coupled with a timecounter 50 or 51. These would in turn be connected to data connections10 or 36. A connection to the buffers 45 or 46 can also be provided. Thebasic unit 2 can include a monitoring unit, preferably a time counter52.

These additional devices 48 through 52 pass their data regarding thenumber of usages of individual components such as the head units, thesterilizers, the distributor unit, and the basic unit to the centralcontrol unit 41, which in turn passes information to the user regardingany necessary servicing via the display 43 or the warning signal 47.

Temperature sensors 53 and 54 can also be included in the sterilizer 4and the distributor unit 3 that determine the temperature of thesecomponents during sterilization and pass the information to the controlunit 41 when these components are docked to the basic unit 2.

FIG. 5 shows a function chart for the phaco-machine described. When thedistributor unit is docked with the basic unit the phaco-machine isprepared for an operation by filling the entire distributor unit tubingsystem with rinsing fluid. When a sterilizer is connected, the controlunit receives a report from the coded connectors regarding whichsterilizers have been docked, i.e., specific data for each head unit istransmitted to the control unit. Based on this information, supply forall sterilizers or head units is adjusted, the supply tubes in thedistributor unit are filled with rinsing fluid, and any necessaryelectrical lines receive power and any necessary air lines receivecompressed air. These preparatory procedures are known as “priming.”Then, as soon as a head unit is extracted from a sterilizer, supply forthis connection interface and the corresponding head unit is available.The operator then controls head unit function by means of the footswitch (not shown).

In parallel to these procedures, the phaco-machine function parametersare monitored continuously. These function parameters can be optimizedby the operator, which is known as “tuning.” A head unit used to shatterthe natural lens of the eye operates, for example, at a nominalfrequency of 40 kHz. In order to determine the optimum frequency andamplitude, the phaco-head unit is first placed into a testing vessel andoptimized. This value is stored in the control unit. During theoperation, however, the optimum frequency changes when the phaco-headunit comes into contact with the natural lens, so that a certainimprovement or re-tuning is required. This re-tuning is performed eitherby the operator or automatically via a control unit test program.

Phaco-machine function parameters and the record of each operation maybe displayed or printed as desired.

As shown in FIG. 1, the basic unit and, if necessary, the distributorunit, can be of modular design so that the width of each module isdetermined by the width of the sterilizer.

The previous discussion described a phaco-machine that includes onlyconnections for the rinsing fluid and electrical connections foroperating current or data transfer. Naturally it is possible to applythe principle of such a phaco-machine with sterilizers to air-drivenhead units. It is of course possible and conceivable to operate such aphaco-machine with other types of head units, e.g., with head units thatuse a laser beam to shatter the clouded natural lens of the eye.

Additionally, the preceding discussion describes the coding and queryingconnectors as electrical in nature. It is possible to use any other typeof coding as long as it ensures that the control unit is informedregarding the type of the surgical instrument connected. Thus, forexample, purely mechanical coding can be used. Of course, a combinationof electrical and some mechanical coding mechanisms is possible.

There has thus been shown and described a novel surgical operationsystem which fulfills all the objects and advantage sought therefor.Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applicationsof the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilledin the art after considering this specification and the accompanyingdrawings which disclose the preferred embodiments thereof. All suchchanges, modifications, variations and other uses and applications whichdo not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed tobe covered by the invention, which is to be limited only by the claimswhich follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. In an operation system for use duringmicro-surgical operations, particularly ophthalmologic operationsystems, comprising (a) a supply unit providing at least one consumableselected from the group consisting of electrical power, compressed airand a fluid; (b) multiple surgical instruments that are interchangeablyconnectable to the supply unit using connecting tubes that carry thenecessary consumables to the respective surgical instrument; and (c) acontrol unit by means of which parameters regarding the supply ofconsumables to the surgical instruments is adjustable, the improvementwherein: the supply unit includes several connection, interfaces, onefor each surgical instrument; each surgical instrument is stored in itsown sterilizer unit that is connectable to a connection interface; eachsterilizer unit includes an identifying coded connector for the surgicalinstrument that fits into a querying connector of the supply unit whenthe sterilizer unit is connected to the supply unit; the control unit isconnected using the querying connectors to all connection interfaces, itidentifies the connected surgical instrument for each connectioninterface, and it sets the parameters for its supply of consumables. 2.Operating system according to claim 1 wherein each sterilizer unitincludes the necessary connection tubes for the surgical instrumentcontained therein, and a roll-up mechanism for the tubes.
 3. Operatingsystem according to claim 1 wherein the supply unit is divided into abasic unit and a separate distributor unit equipped with connectioninterfaces for the sterilizer units and connectable to the basic unit,where the distributor unit accepts a tube system connected with a supplyand an exhaust at each connection interface to supply the surgicalinstruments with at least one of a rinsing fluid, and compressed air. 4.Operating system according to claim 1, further comprising activationsensors that pass an activation signal to the control unit (41) when anysurgical instrument (5) is withdrawn from its sterilizer unit, theactivation signal causing the control unit to activate the supply forthe surgical instrument.
 5. Operating system according to claim 1,wherein the control unit includes an input device to program theoperating system functions.
 6. Operating system according to claim 4,wherein the control unit includes a display that shows an operatingsystem function.
 7. Operating system according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit is provided with an interface for connection of externaldevices, particularly a printer.
 8. Operating system according to claim1, wherein the sterilizer unit and the distributor unit are eachprovided with a buffer in which specific data from the sterilizer unitand the distributor unit may be entered, and that the data can betransferred to the control unit when docked with the basic unit. 9.Operating system according to claim 1, wherein the operating systemincludes a counter mechanism used to count the number of usages of atleast a component of the operating system.
 10. Operating systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the operating system includes a timermechanism used to measure the usage time of at least a component of theoperating system.
 11. Operating system according to claim 9, wherein thecounter mechanism and/or the timer mechanism is connected with thecentral control unit.
 12. Operating system according to claim 9, furthercomprising a display for the count and/or duration of usages of at leastone of the components monitored by the counter and/or timer mechanism.13. Operating system according to claim 9, the control unit issues asignal, especially a warning signal, when a predetermined number ofusages and/or a predetermined amount of usage time is exceeded for atleast one part of the operating system.
 14. Operating system accordingto claim 9, wherein the function of at least one of the operating systemcomponents monitored by the counter and/or timer mechanism has itsfunction limited or blocked when a predetermined number of usages and/ora predetermined amount of usage time is exceeded.
 15. Operating systemaccording to claim 1, wherein temperature sensors are provided foroperating system parts to be sterilized.